Huntington, W.Va.—July 12, 2012—Allied Logistics (formerly Allied Warehousing Services Inc.) established a $50,000 engineering scholarship and paid summer internship at Marshall University in honor of Dick Smith, who passed away on Feb. 17 at the age of 87.
Key to the growth and success of Huntington-based Allied Logistics, Smith was an accomplished engineer by training, businessman and innovator. He touched many lives including Allied Logistics Chairman and President Lake Polan III, who considered him a close friend and mentor.
“Dick had a gentle demeanor and quiet manner that hid his brilliant mind, outstanding negotiating skills and steely determination to succeed,” said Polan. “He was truly self-effacing, deeply religious and devoted both to his family and mine. I am in many ways a product of his upbringing along with the legacy left by my own father, Lake Polan Jr.”
Smith worked in the management of Polan Industries during the 1960s. In the 1970s, he launched Allied Realty’s warehousing business. He later became president of Allied Warehousing, leading its transition from a grocery distribution center to focus on the chemical industry. Under his leadership, Allied Warehousing established multiple locations; launched its transportation business; and began engaging in toll services for its industrial customers.
Marshall University welcomed the scholarship announcement—funded through a $30,000 investment this year and $20,000 in 2013—as a way for Smith’s legacy to continue to drive local and regional innovation. The scholarship recipient is expected to be announced this summer.
“They say that family is the tie that binds—that is certainly the case with the Polans,” said Dr. Ron Area, Chief Executive Officer of the Marshall University Foundation Inc. “Their family has been a part of the Marshall University and Foundation family for many years, serving in a number of key roles on our board of directors. We are deeply grateful to the Polans for this significant engineering scholarship commitment, their continued support and leadership and their dedication to the betterment of our entire region.”
